Autoinjector

ABSTRACT

An autoinjector includes a case adapted to hold a medicament container, a needle shroud telescopically coupled to the case, and a plunger slidably disposed in the case. The needle shroud is movable between a first extended position, a retracted position, and a second extended position relative to the case. The plunger is movable between a proximal position, an intermediate position, and a distal position relative to the case. When the plunger is in the intermediate position and the needle shroud is in the retracted position, the plunger abuts the case to prevent the needle shroud from returning to the extended position. When the plunger is in the distal position and the needle shroud is in the second extended position, the plunger abuts the case to prevent the needle shroud from returning to the retracted position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/157,163, filed Oct. 11, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/903,363, filed Jan. 7, 2016, which is a U.S.national stage application under 35 USC § 371 of InternationalApplication No. PCT/EP2014/064426, filed on Jul. 7, 2014, which claimspriority to European Patent Application No. 13175663.7, filed on Jul. 9,2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an autoinjector.

BACKGROUND

Administering an injection is a process which presents a number of risksand challenges for users and healthcare professionals, both mental andphysical. Injection devices typically fall into two categories—manualdevices and autoinjectors. In a conventional manual device, manual forceis required to drive a medicament through a needle. This is typicallydone by some form of button/plunger that has to be continuously pressedduring the injection. There are numerous disadvantages associated withthis approach. For example, if the button/plunger is releasedprematurely, the injection will stop and may not deliver an intendeddose. Further, the force required to push the button/plunger may be toohigh (e.g., if the user is elderly or a child). And, aligning theinjection device, administering the injection and keeping the injectiondevice still during the injection may require dexterity which somepatients (e.g., elderly patients, children, arthritic patients, etc.)may not have.

Autoinjector devices aim to make self-injection easier for patients. Aconventional autoinjector may provide the force for administering theinjection by a spring, and trigger button or other mechanism may be usedto activate the injection. Autoinjectors may be single-use or reusabledevices.

There remains a need for an improved autoinjector.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improvedautoinjector.

In an exemplary embodiment, an autoinjector according to the presentinvention comprises a case adapted to hold a medicament container havinga needle, a needle shroud telescopically coupled to the case and movablebetween a first extended position relative to the case in which theneedle is covered, and a retracted position relative to the case inwhich the needle is exposed, and a second extended position relative tothe case in which the needle is covered and the needle shroud cannottranslate relative to the case, and a plunger slidably disposed in thecase and movable between a proximal position, an intermediate positionand a distal position relative to the case. When the plunger is in theintermediate position and the needle shroud is in the retractedposition, the plunger abuts the case to prevent the needle shroud fromreturning to the extended position. When the plunger is in the distalposition and the needle shroud is in the second extended position, theplunger abuts the case to prevent the needle shroud from returning tothe retracted position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the case includes a first compliant casebeam having a first boss adapted to engage a radial plunger opening onthe plunger when the plunger is in the proximal position. The needleshroud radially abuts the first boss when the needle shroud is in thefirst extended position. The needle shroud includes a radial shroudopening adapted to accommodate the first boss when the needle shroud isin the retracted position and the first compliant case beam deflectsradially.

In an exemplary embodiment, the case includes a second complaint casebeam having a second boss adapted to engage a control structure on theneedle shroud. The second compliant case beam is movable in radial andtangential directions relative to the case. The control structureincludes a first surface adapted to radially abut the second boss whenthe needle shroud is in the first extended position. The controlstructure includes a second surface adapted to tangentially abut thesecond boss when the needle shroud is in the first extended position.The control structure includes a recess proximal of the first surface orthe second surface. The recess is adapted to receive the second bosswhen the needle shroud is in the retracted position and the secondcompliant case beam deflects radially or tangentially. The plunger abutsthe second boss when the second boss is received in the recess and theplunger is in the intermediate position. The control structure includesa third surface radially and tangentially offset from the first surfaceadapted to radially abut the second boss as the needle shroud translatesfrom the retracted position to the second extended position. The controlstructure includes a ramped boss proximal of the third surface adaptedto tangentially displace the second boss as the needle shroud translatesfrom the retracted position to the second extended position. The controlstructure includes a notch proximal of the ramped boss adapted toreceive the second boss when the needle shroud is in the second extendedposition and the plunger is in the intermediate position or the distalposition. The control structure includes an abutment formed on the firstsurface or the second surface proximal of the recess adapted to displacethe second boss radially or tangentially as the needle shroud translatesfrom the first extended position to the retracted position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the autoinjector further comprises a shroudspring biasing the needle shroud relative to the case.

In an exemplary embodiment, the autoinjector further comprises a drivespring biasing the plunger relative to the case.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitiveof the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an autoinjectoraccording to the present invention prior to use,

FIG. 1B is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an autoinjectoraccording to the present invention prior to use,

FIG. 1C is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an autoinjectoraccording to the present invention prior to use,

FIG. 1D is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an autoinjectoraccording to the present invention prior to use,

FIG. 1E is a longitudinal section of an exemplary embodiment of anautoinjector according to the present invention prior to use,

FIG. 1F is a longitudinal section of an exemplary embodiment of anautoinjector according to the present invention prior to use,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a detentmechanism according to the present invention,

FIG. 3A is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an autoinjectoraccording to the present invention during use,

FIG. 3B is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an autoinjectoraccording to the present invention during use,

FIG. 3C is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an autoinjectoraccording to the present invention during use,

FIG. 3D is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an autoinjectoraccording to the present invention during use,

FIG. 3E is a longitudinal section of an exemplary embodiment of anautoinjector according to the present invention during use,

FIG. 3F is a longitudinal section of an exemplary embodiment of anautoinjector according to the present invention during use,

FIG. 4A is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an autoinjectoraccording to the present invention during use,

FIG. 4B is a longitudinal section of an exemplary embodiment of anautoinjector according to the present invention during use,

FIG. 5A is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an autoinjectoraccording to the present invention after use,

FIG. 5B is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an autoinjectoraccording to the present invention after use,

FIG. 5C is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an autoinjectoraccording to the present invention after use,

FIG. 5D is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an autoinjectoraccording to the present invention after use,

FIG. 5E is a longitudinal section of an exemplary embodiment of anautoinjector according to the present invention after use, and

FIG. 5F is a longitudinal section of an exemplary embodiment of anautoinjector according to the present invention after use.

Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in allfigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are different side views of an exemplary embodimentof an autoinjector 1 according to the present invention prior to use.The autoinjector 1 comprises a case 2 including a front case 2.1 and arear case 2.2. A removable cap 11 is attached at a distal end of thecase 2. The case 2 may comprise a viewing window 2.7, which may be acut-out or transparent portion of the front case 2.1. FIG. 1D is a sideview of the autoinjector 1 in the initial state prior to starting aninjection with the front case 2.1 of the case 2 removed for clarity. Aneedle shroud 7 is telescoped within the case 2. FIG. 1E is alongitudinal section of the rear case 2.2 and the needle shroud 7 in theinitial state prior to starting an injection. FIG. 1F is a longitudinalsection of the autoinjector 1 in the initial state prior to starting aninjection with the front case of the case 2 removed for clarity.

As shown in FIG. 1F, the case 2 is adapted to hold a medicamentcontainer, such as a syringe 3. The syringe 3 may be a pre-filledsyringe and have a needle 4 arranged at a distal end. When theautoinjector 1 and/or the syringe 3 are assembled, a protective needlesheath 5 may be removably coupled to the needle 4. The cap 11 mayinclude an element (e.g., a barb, a hook, a narrowed section, etc.)arranged to engage the protective needle sheath 5 such that theprotective needle sheath 5 is removed as the cap 11 is removed from thecase 2. A stopper 6 is arranged for sealing the syringe 3 proximally andfor displacing a medicament M contained in the syringe 3 through theneedle 4. In other exemplary embodiments, the medicament container maybe a cartridge which includes the medicament M and engages a removableneedle.

In an exemplary embodiment, the needle shroud 7 is biased in a distaldirection D relative to the case 2 by a shroud spring 8. Prior to use,the needle shroud 7 is in a first extended position FEP relative to thecase 2, extending beyond a distal end of the case 2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a drive spring 9 is disposed within the case2 and applies a biasing force on a plunger 10 which is adapted to engagethe stopper 6. In an exemplary embodiment, the plunger 10 is hollow andthe drive spring 9 is arranged within the plunger 10 biasing the plunger10 in the distal direction D against the case 2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a plunger release mechanism 12 is arrangedfor preventing release of the plunger 10 prior to depression of theneedle shroud 7 and for releasing the plunger 10 once the needle shroud7 is depressed. In an exemplary embodiment, the plunger releasemechanism 12 comprises a compliant first case beam 2.3 with a first boss2.4 arranged on the case 2, a radial plunger opening 10.1 arranged inthe plunger 10 for engaging the first boss 2.4, a proximal end 7.1 ofthe needle shroud 7 adapted to radially outwardly abut the first boss2.4 such that it cannot disengage the first opening 10.1 as the needleshroud 7 is in the first extended position FEP, and a radial shroudopening 7.2 in the needle shroud 7 adapted to accommodate the first boss2.4 when the first case beam 2.3 deflects radially. At least one of thefirst boss 2.4 and the radial plunger opening 10.1 may be ramped toreduce force necessary to cause the first case beam 2.3 to deflect.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2, the autoinjector 1comprises a detent mechanism 13 comprising a compliant second case beam2.5 with a second boss 2.6 movable in two planes (e.g., a radialdirection O and a tangential direction T), and a control structure 7.3on the needle shroud 7 adapted to interact with the second boss 2.6depending on a relative axial position of the needle shroud 7 and thecase 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the control structure 7.3 comprisesa first surface 7.4 adapted to radially abut the second boss 2.6preventing deflection in a radial outward direction O. A recess 7.5 isarranged to allow deflection of the second boss 2.6 in the radialoutward direction O once the recess 7.5 is axially aligned with thesecond boss 2.6. A tangential second surface 7.6 is arranged adjacentthe first surface 7.4, e.g., substantially at right angles, so as tosupport the second boss 2.6 in one tangential direction T while it issupported by the first surface 7.4 in the radial outward direction O. Atangential third surface 7.7 is arranged adjacent the first surface 7.4substantially at right angles so as to support the second boss 2.6 in afirst tangential direction T after it has been deflected in the radialoutward direction O into the third opening 7.5 and is no longer radiallysupported by the first surface 7.4. The tangential second surface 7.6may comprise an abutment 7.8 or any other projection, bump or rampfeature arranged to deflect the second boss 2.6 in a second tangentialdirection T when the second boss 2.6 moves along the second surface 7.6.A ramp 7.9 is arranged to deflect the second boss 2.6 in the secondtangential direction T onto the tangential third surface 7.7 once thesecond boss 2.6 is radially deflected into the third opening 7.5 andsubsequently moved in a proximal direction P relative the case 2. Thetangential third surface 7.7 may comprise a ramped boss 7.10 arranged todeflect the second boss 2.6 in the second tangential direction T whenthe second boss 2.6 moves along the tangential third surface 7.7 in theproximal direction P relative to the case 2. When the second boss 2.6 isdistal of the ramped boss 7.10, the ramped boss 2.6 may enter a notchand abut the ramped boss 7.10 to prevent the second boss 2.6 fromreturning in the distal direction D along the third surface 7.7.

In an exemplary embodiment, a sequence of operation of the autoinjector1 is as follows:

Prior to use the autoinjector 1 is in the state as illustrated in FIGS.1A to 1F. If applicable, the autoinjector 1 may be removed from apackaging. The medicament M may be examined through the viewing window2.7, because at least a portion of the syringe 3 may be axially alignedwith the viewing window 2.7.

The cap 11 is removed by pulling it in the distal direction D away fromthe case 2 thereby also removing the protective needle sheath 5. As thesyringe 3 is held in the case 2, load exerted by pulling the cap 11 isresolved to the case 2.

FIGS. 3A-F are different views of an exemplary embodiment of theautoinjector 1 during use. When the autoinjector 1 is pressed against aninjection site, the needle shroud 7 moves in the proximal direction Prelative to the case 2 into a retracted position RP against the bias ofthe shroud spring 8. As the needle shroud 7 is moving from the firstextended position FEP towards the retracted position RP, the second boss2.6 rides along the radial first surface 7.4 and the tangential secondsurface 7.6. When the second boss 2.6 engages the abutment 7.8, a firsttactile feedback may be provided in the form an increased resistance tocontinued proximal movement of the needle shroud 7. The first tactilefeedback may indicate to a user that further retraction of the needleshroud 7 will commence insertion of the needle 4 into the injectionsite. If the autoinjector 1 is removed from the injection site prior toneedle insertion, the needle shroud 7 will return to the first extendedposition FEP under the force of the shroud spring 8.

With an increase in applied force, the second case beam 2.5 deflectstangentially, allowing the second boss 2.6 to pass around the abutment7.8. After passing the abutment 7.8, a second tactile feedback may beprovided in the form of a decrease in resistance to continued movementof the needle shroud 7. In a self-administered injection, for example,the decrease in resistance may encourage full needle penetration intothe injection site.

When the needle shroud 7 is in the retracted position RP, the first boss2.4 on the first case beam 2.3 is axially aligned with the radial shroudopening 7.2. Because the first boss 2.4 no longer abuts the needleshroud 7, the force of the drive spring 9 pushes the plunger 10 in thedistal direction D, causing the first case beam 2.3 to deflect and thusthe first boss 2.4 to deflect radially into the radial shroud opening7.2 and disengage the radial plunger opening 10.1.

As shown in the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the firstboss 2.4 disengages the radial plunger opening 10.1, the plunger 10 isreleased from a proximal position, translates through an intermediateposition and advances the stopper 6 in the distal direction D displacingthe medicament M from the syringe 3 through the needle 4. FIGS. 4A and4B show the plunger 10 in a distal position after the stopper 6 has beenadvanced through the syringe 3.

When the needle shroud 7 is in the retracted position RP, the recess 7.5is axially aligned with the second boss 2.6. In an exemplary embodiment,the second case beam 2.5 may be in a deflected state prior to use inthat the second boss 2.6 is applying a radial force on the first surface7.4. Thus, when the recess 7.5 is axially aligned with the third opening7.5, the second case beam 2.5 may return to its non-deflected state, andthe second boss 2.6 may engage the recess 7.5. When the plunger 10 isreleased, the second boss 2.6 may abut the plunger 10 to prevent thesecond boss 2.6 from being displaced radially. In another exemplaryembodiment, when released, a portion of the plunger 10 may abut thesecond boss 2.6 and cause the second case beam 2.5 to deflect, causingthe second boss 2.6 to engage and be maintained in the recess 7.5. Inany embodiment, deflection of the first boss 2.4 and/or the second boss2.6 may provide an audible feedback to indicate that delivery of themedicament M has started. Axial translation of the plunger 10 can beobserved through the viewing window 2.7 for visual confirmation ofmedicament delivery.

FIGS. 5A-F show an exemplary embodiment of the autoinjector 1 after use.When the autoinjector 1 is removed from the injection site, the needleshroud 7 moves from the retracted position RP towards a second extendedposition SEP driven by the shroud spring 8 thus covering the needle 4.As the needle shroud 7 moves from the retracted position RP towards thesecond extended position SEP, the second boss 2.6 rides along the ramp7.9, causing the second beam 2.5 to deflect in the second tangentialdirection onto the tangential third surface 7.7. The second boss 2.6rides along the tangential third surface 7.7 until it engages the rampedboss 7.10, causing the second beam 2.5 to deflect further in the secondtangential direction. After the second boss 2.6 bypasses the ramped boss7.10, the second boss 2.6 engages a notch proximal of the ramped boss7.10, allowing the second beam 2.5 to deflect in the first tangentialdirection. The needle shroud 7 thus returns to, and is locked in thesecond extended position SEP. If the needle shroud 7 attempts to moveproximally relative to the case 2 from the second extended position SEPafter use, the ramped boss 7.10 abuts the second boss 2.6.

If the autoinjector 1 is removed from the injection site prior to fullmedicament delivery, the needle shroud 7 will likewise return to thesecond extended position SEP and lock out, provided the needle shroud 7has been depressed sufficiently far to release the plunger 10 and thesecond boss 2.6 has engaged the recess 7.5. Hence, the risk ofpost-injection needle stick injury is reduced.

The plunger 10 is visible through the viewing window 2.7 thus providingvisual confirmation that the autoinjector 1 has been used.

The term “drug” or “medicament”, as used herein, means a pharmaceuticalformulation containing at least one pharmaceutically active compound,

wherein in one embodiment the pharmaceutically active compound has amolecular weight up to 1500 Da and/or is a peptide, a proteine, apolysaccharide, a vaccine, a DNA, a RNA, an enzyme, an antibody or afragment thereof, a hormone or an oligonucleotide, or a mixture of theabove-mentioned pharmaceutically active compound,

wherein in a further embodiment the pharmaceutically active compound isuseful for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diabetes mellitus orcomplications associated with diabetes mellitus such as diabeticretinopathy, thromboembolism disorders such as deep vein or pulmonarythromboembolism, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), angina, myocardialinfarction, cancer, macular degeneration, inflammation, hay fever,atherosclerosis and/or rheumatoid arthritis,

wherein in a further embodiment the pharmaceutically active compoundcomprises at least one peptide for the treatment and/or prophylaxis ofdiabetes mellitus or complications associated with diabetes mellitussuch as diabetic retinopathy,

wherein in a further embodiment the pharmaceutically active compoundcomprises at least one human insulin or a human insulin analogue orderivative, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) or an analogue or derivativethereof, or exendin-3 or exendin-4 or an analogue or derivative ofexendin-3 or exendin-4.

Insulin analogues are for example Gly(A21), Arg(B31), Arg(B32) humaninsulin; Lys(B3), Glu(B29) human insulin; Lys(B28), Pro(B29) humaninsulin; Asp(B28) human insulin; human insulin, wherein proline inposition B28 is replaced by Asp, Lys, Leu, Val or Ala and wherein inposition B29 Lys may be replaced by Pro; Ala(B26) human insulin;Des(B28-B30) human insulin; Des(B27) human insulin and Des(B30) humaninsulin.

Insulin derivates are for example B29-N-myristoyl-des(B30) humaninsulin; B29-N-palmitoyl-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-myristoyl humaninsulin; B29-N-palmitoyl human insulin; B28-N-myristoyl LysB28ProB29human insulin; B28-N-palmitoyl-LysB28ProB29 human insulin;B30-N-myristoyl-ThrB29LysB30 human insulin; B30-N-palmitoyl-ThrB29LysB30human insulin; B29-N—(N-palmitoyl-Y-glutamyl)-des(B30) human insulin;B29-N—(N-lithocholyl-Y-glutamyl)-des(B30) human insulin;B29-N-(ω-carboxyheptadecanoyl)-des(B30) human insulin andB29-N-(ω-carboxyheptadecanoyl) human insulin.

Exendin-4 for example means Exendin-4(1-39), a peptide of the sequenceH-His-Gly-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Leu-Ser-Lys-Gln-Met-Glu-Glu-Glu-Ala-Val-Arg-Leu-Phe-Ile-Glu-Trp-Leu-Lys-Asn-Gly-Gly-Pro-Ser-Ser-Gly-Ala-Pro-Pro-Pro-Ser-NH2.

Exendin-4 derivatives are for example selected from the following listof compounds:

H-(Lys)4-des Pro36, des Pro37 Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2,

H-(Lys)5-des Pro36, des Pro37 Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2,

des Pro36 Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [Met(O)14, IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [Trp(O2)25, IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [Met(O)14 Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [Met(O)14 Trp(O2)25, IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39); or

des Pro36 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [Met(O)14, IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [Trp(O2)25, IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [Met(O)14 Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

des Pro36 [Met(O)14 Trp(O2)25, IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39),

wherein the group -Lys6-NH2 may be bound to the C-terminus of theExendin-4 derivative;

or an Exendin-4 derivative of the sequence

des Pro36 Exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2 (AVE0010),

H-(Lys)6-des Pro36 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2,

des Asp28 Pro36, Pro37, Pro38Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2,

H-(Lys)6-des Pro36, Pro38 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2,

H-Asn-(Glu)5des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2,

des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2,

H-(Lys)6-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2,

H-Asn-(Glu)5-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2,

H-(Lys)6-des Pro36 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2,

H-des Asp28 Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Trp(O2)25] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2,

H-(Lys)6-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2,

H-Asn-(Glu)5-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28]Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2,

des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2,

H-(Lys)6-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28]Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2,

H-Asn-(Glu)5-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28]Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2,

H-(Lys)6-des Pro36 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2,

des Met(O)14 Asp28 Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2,

H-(Lys)6-desPro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2,

H-Asn-(Glu)5-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Asp28]Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2,

des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2,

H-(Lys)6-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Asp28]Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2,

H-Asn-(Glu)5 des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Asp28]Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2,

H-Lys6-des Pro36 [Met(O)14, Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2,

H-des Asp28 Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Trp(O2)25]Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2,

H-(Lys)6-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2,

H-Asn-(Glu)5-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Trp(O2)25, Asp28]Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2,

des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Trp(O2)25, Asp28]Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2,

H-(Lys)6-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Trp(O2)25, Asp28]Exendin-4(S1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2,

H-Asn-(Glu)5-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Trp(O2)25, Asp28]Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2,

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of any one of theafore-mentioned Exendin-4 derivative.

Hormones are for example hypophysis hormones or hypothalamus hormones orregulatory active peptides and their antagonists as listed in RoteListe, ed. 2008, Chapter 50, such as Gonadotropine (Follitropin,Lutropin, Choriongonadotropin, Menotropin), Somatropine (Somatropin),Desmopressin, Terlipressin, Gonadorelin, Triptorelin, Leuprorelin,Buserelin, Nafarelin, Goserelin.

A polysaccharide is for example a glucosaminoglycane, a hyaluronic acid,a heparin, a low molecular weight heparin or an ultra low molecularweight heparin or a derivative thereof, or a sulphated, e.g. apoly-sulphated form of the above-mentioned polysaccharides, and/or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. An example of apharmaceutically acceptable salt of a poly-sulphated low molecularweight heparin is enoxaparin sodium.

Antibodies are globular plasma proteins (˜150 kDa) that are also knownas immunoglobulins which share a basic structure. As they have sugarchains added to amino acid residues, they are glycoproteins. The basicfunctional unit of each antibody is an immunoglobulin (Ig) monomer(containing only one Ig unit); secreted antibodies can also be dimericwith two Ig units as with IgA, tetrameric with four Ig units liketeleost fish IgM, or pentameric with five Ig units, like mammalian IgM.

The Ig monomer is a “Y”-shaped molecule that consists of fourpolypeptide chains; two identical heavy chains and two identical lightchains connected by disulfide bonds between cysteine residues. Eachheavy chain is about 440 amino acids long; each light chain is about 220amino acids long. Heavy and light chains each contain intrachaindisulfide bonds which stabilize their folding. Each chain is composed ofstructural domains called Ig domains. These domains contain about 70-110amino acids and are classified into different categories (for example,variable or V, and constant or C) according to their size and function.They have a characteristic immunoglobulin fold in which two β sheetscreate a “sandwich” shape, held together by interactions betweenconserved cysteines and other charged amino acids.

There are five types of mammalian Ig heavy chain denoted by α, δ, ε, γ,and μ. The type of heavy chain present defines the isotype of antibody;these chains are found in IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM antibodies,respectively.

Distinct heavy chains differ in size and composition; α and γ containapproximately 450 amino acids and δ approximately 500 amino acids, whileμ and ε have approximately 550 amino acids. Each heavy chain has tworegions, the constant region (C_(H)) and the variable region (V_(H)). Inone species, the constant region is essentially identical in allantibodies of the same isotype, but differs in antibodies of differentisotypes. Heavy chains γ, α and δ have a constant region composed ofthree tandem Ig domains, and a hinge region for added flexibility; heavychains μ and ε have a constant region composed of four immunoglobulindomains. The variable region of the heavy chain differs in antibodiesproduced by different B cells, but is the same for all antibodiesproduced by a single B cell or B cell clone. The variable region of eachheavy chain is approximately 110 amino acids long and is composed of asingle Ig domain.

In mammals, there are two types of immunoglobulin light chain denoted byA and K. A light chain has two successive domains: one constant domain(CL) and one variable domain (VL). The approximate length of a lightchain is 211 to 217 amino acids. Each antibody contains two light chainsthat are always identical; only one type of light chain, κ or λ, ispresent per antibody in mammals.

Although the general structure of all antibodies is very similar, theunique property of a given antibody is determined by the variable (V)regions, as detailed above. More specifically, variable loops, threeeach the light (VL) and three on the heavy (VH) chain, are responsiblefor binding to the antigen, i.e. for its antigen specificity. Theseloops are referred to as the Complementarity Determining Regions (CDRs).Because CDRs from both VH and VL domains contribute to theantigen-binding site, it is the combination of the heavy and the lightchains, and not either alone, that determines the final antigenspecificity.

An “antibody fragment” contains at least one antigen binding fragment asdefined above, and exhibits essentially the same function andspecificity as the complete antibody of which the fragment is derivedfrom. Limited proteolytic digestion with papain cleaves the Ig prototypeinto three fragments. Two identical amino terminal fragments, eachcontaining one entire L chain and about half an H chain, are the antigenbinding fragments (Fab). The third fragment, similar in size butcontaining the carboxyl terminal half of both heavy chains with theirinterchain disulfide bond, is the crystalizable fragment (Fc). The Fccontains carbohydrates, complement-binding, and FcR-binding sites.Limited pepsin digestion yields a single F(ab′)2 fragment containingboth Fab pieces and the hinge region, including the H-H interchaindisulfide bond. F(ab′)2 is divalent for antigen binding. The disulfidebond of F(ab′)2 may be cleaved in order to obtain Fab′. Moreover, thevariable regions of the heavy and light chains can be fused together toform a single chain variable fragment (scFv).

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are for example acid addition saltsand basic salts. Acid addition salts are e.g. HCl or HBr salts. Basicsalts are e.g. salts having a cation selected from alkali or alkaline,e.g. Na+, or K+, or Ca2+, or an ammonium ion N+(R1)(R2)(R3)(R4), whereinR1 to R4 independently of each other mean: hydrogen, an optionallysubstituted C1-C6-alkyl group, an optionally substituted C2-C6-alkenylgroup, an optionally substituted C6-C10-aryl group, or an optionallysubstituted C6-C10-heteroaryl group. Further examples ofpharmaceutically acceptable salts are described in “Remington'sPharmaceutical Sciences” 17. ed. Alfonso R. Gennaro (Ed.), MarkPublishing Company, Easton, Pa., U.S.A., 1985 and in Encyclopedia ofPharmaceutical Technology.

Pharmaceutically acceptable solvates are for example hydrates.

Those of skill in the art will understand that modifications (additionsand/or removals) of various components of the apparatuses, methodsand/or systems and embodiments described herein may be made withoutdeparting from the full scope and spirit of the present invention, whichencompass such modifications and any and all equivalents thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An autoinjector comprising: a case adaptedto hold a medicament container having a needle; a needle shroudtelescopically coupled to the case and movable between a first extendedposition relative to the case in which the needle is covered, aretracted position relative to the case in which the needle is exposed,and a second extended position relative to the case in which the needleis covered and the needle shroud cannot translate relative to the case;and a plunger moveably disposed relative to the case and movable betweena proximal position and a distal position relative to the case, whereinwhen the needle shroud is in the second extended position, the needleshroud is prevented from returning to the retracted position.
 2. Theautoinjector according to claim 1, wherein when the plunger is in thedistal position and the needle shroud is in the second extendedposition, the plunger abuts the case to prevent the needle shroud fromreturning to the retracted position.
 3. The autoinjector according toclaim 1, wherein the plunger is moveable between the proximal position,an intermediate position and the distal position, when the plunger is inthe intermediate position and the needle shroud is in the retractedposition, the plunger abuts the case to prevent the needle shroud fromreturning to the first extended position.
 4. The autoinjector accordingto claim 1, wherein the case includes a compliant case beam having aboss adapted to engage a radial plunger opening on the plunger when theplunger is in the proximal position.
 5. The autoinjector according toclaim 4, wherein the needle shroud radially abuts the boss when theneedle shroud is in the first extended position, the needle shroudincludes a radial shroud opening adapted to accommodate the boss whenthe needle shroud is in the retracted position and the compliant casebeam deflects radially.
 6. The autoinjector according to claim 1,wherein the case includes a compliant case beam having a boss adapted toengage a control structure on the needle shroud, wherein the compliantcase beam is movable in radial and tangential directions relative to thecase.
 7. The autoinjector according to claim 6, wherein the controlstructure includes a surface adapted to radially abut the boss when theneedle shroud is in the first extended position, the control structureincludes a surface adapted to tangentially abut the boss when the needleshroud is in the first extended position.
 8. The autoinjector accordingto claim 6, wherein the control structure includes a recess proximal toa first surface of the control structure adapted to radially abut theboss or a second surface of the control structure adapted totangentially abut the boss, wherein the recess is adapted to receive theboss when the needle shroud is in the retracted position and thecompliant case beam deflects radially or tangentially.
 9. Theautoinjector according to claim 8, wherein the plunger is moveablebetween the proximal position, an intermediate position and the distalposition, the plunger abuts the boss when the boss is received in therecess and the plunger is in the intermediate position.
 10. Theautoinjector according to claim 6, wherein the control structureincludes a second surface radially and tangentially offset from a firstsurface of the control structure adapted to radially abut the boss whenthe needle shroud is in the first extended position, the second surfaceadapted to radially abut the boss as the needle shroud translates fromthe retracted position to the second extended position.
 11. Theautoinjector according to claim 10, wherein the control structureincludes a ramped boss proximal to the second surface, the ramped bossadapted to tangentially displace the boss as the needle shroudtranslates from the retracted position to the second extended position.12. The autoinjector according to claim 11, wherein the plunger ismoveable between the proximal position, an intermediate position and thedistal position, the control structure includes a notch proximal to theramped boss adapted to receive the boss when the needle shroud is in thesecond extended position and the plunger is in the intermediate positionor the distal position.
 13. The autoinjector according to claim 6,wherein the control structure includes an abutment formed on a firstsurface of the control structure adapted to radially abut the boss or asecond surface of the control structure adapted to tangentially abut theboss proximal to a recess, the abutment adapted to displace the bossradially or tangentially as the needle shroud translates from the firstextended position to the retracted position.
 14. The autoinjectoraccording to claim 1, further comprising: a shroud spring biasing theneedle shroud relative to the case.
 15. The autoinjector according toclaim 14, wherein, in the first extended position, the needle shroud isbiased in distal direction relative to the case.
 16. The autoinjectoraccording to claim 1, further comprising: a drive spring biasing theplunger relative to the case, wherein the plunger is hollow and thedrive spring is arranged within the plunger.
 17. The autoinjectoraccording to claim 1, wherein a plunger release mechanism is arrangedfor preventing release of the plunger prior to depression of the needleshroud and for releasing the plunger once the needle shroud isdepressed.
 18. The autoinjector according to claim 1, wherein the needleshroud comprises a ramped boss.
 19. The autoinjector according to claim18, wherein the needle shroud comprises a notch proximal to the rampedboss.
 20. The autoinjector according to claim 1, wherein the caseincludes a first compliant case beam adapted to engage a radial plungeropening on the plunger.